A camera before film

Camera Lucida

Before photography as we know it, there was the camera lucida - a "room of light" that allowed an artist to view and trace real-world scenes onto paper.

A collection of these true-to-life drawings, created in the 19th century by scientist and draughtsman Sir John Herschel, will be displayed for the first time in 25 years at the upcoming TEFAF Maastricht art fair in the Netherlands. They will be presented by New York-based gallery Hans P. Kraus Jr. Fine Photographs.

In this image, "Stone Henge," Aug. 12, 1865

Credit: courtesy Hans P. Kraus Jr. Fine Photographs

Camera Lucida

"Turin with the chain of the Alps. From the roof of the observatory," 1824

Credit: courtesy Hans P. Kraus Jr. Fine Photographs

Camera Lucida

"The Lake of Brienz from Iseltwald," Sept. 23, 1821.

Credit: courtesy Hans P. Kraus Jr. Fine Photographs

Camera Lucida

"Lake of Brienz from Iseltwald," ca. 1821

Credit: courtesy Hans P. Kraus Jr. Fine Photographs

Camera Lucida

"Menai Suspension Bridge From the Beach on the Anglesea Side," Sept. 29, 1827

Credit: courtesy Hans P. Kraus Jr. Fine Photographs

Camera Lucida

"A cave in the cliff on the beach. Dawlish, Devon," 1816

Credit: courtesy Hans P. Kraus Jr. Fine Photographs

Camera Lucida

"Colossal Statue 'Father Apennine' by John of Bologna in the Grand-ducal garden of Pratolino near Florence," 1824

Credit: courtesy Hans P. Kraus Jr. Fine Photographs

Camera Lucida

"Interior view of the Ancient Theatre, Arles," Oct. 1850

Credit: courtesy Hans P. Kraus Jr. Fine Photographs

Camera Lucida

"Exterior view of the Amphitheatre, Nismes," Sept. 21, 1826

Credit: courtesy Hans P. Kraus Jr. Fine Photographs

Camera Lucida

"Worcester Cathedral," 1829

Credit: courtesy Hans P. Kraus Jr. Fine Photographs

Camera Lucida

"View from below the Temple of Juno, Girgenti Sicily," June 27, 1824

Credit: courtesy Hans P. Kraus Jr. Fine Photographs

Camera Lucida

"Le Puy. From across the bridge. The Church ofSt Michel, the Rocher du Corneille & the Cathedral," Oct. 19, 1850